Intel has officially started shipping the "0x129" microcode update for its 13th and 14th generation "Raptor Lake" and "Raptor Lake Refresh" processors. This critical update is currently being pushed to all OEM/ODM partners to address the stability issues that Intel's processors have been facing. According to Intel, this microcode update fixes "incorrect voltage requests to the processor that are causing elevated operating voltage." Intel's analysis shows that the root cause of stability problems is caused by too high voltage during operation of the processor. These increases to voltage cause degradation that increases the minimum voltage required for stable operation. Intel calls this "Vmin"—it's a theoretical construct, not an actual voltage, think "speed for an airplane required to fly". The latest 0x129 microcode patch will limit the processor's voltage to no higher than 1.55 V, which should avoid further degradation. Overclocking is still supported, enthusiasts will have to disable the eTVB setting in their BIOS to push the processor beyond the 1.55 V threshold. The company's internal testing shows that the new default settings with limited voltages with standard run-to-run variations show minimal performance impact, with only a single game (Hitman 3: Dartmoor) showing degradation. For a full statement from Intel, see the quote below.

The demand for AI accelerators is going strong, and the world's largest semiconductor manufacturer, TSMC, has just confirmed that with its July 2024 revenue report. According to its latest July 2024 data, TSMC has reported a consolidated revenue of NT$256.95 billion, or about $7.94 billion at the time of writing. This represents a massive 23.6% jump from June 2024 and a 44.7% from July 2023, when revenue came in at NT$207.869 billion and NT$177.616 billion, respectively. For revenue throughout the year, measured from January to July, TSMC booked NT$1.523 trillion, or about $47 billion at the current rate. For this 7-month period, TSMC's revenue has increased by 30.5% Year-on-Year (YoY), showing great demand and an uptick in the company's production capabilities.

Of course, this is possible thanks to the massive demand driving AI chip sales from various startups and established giants like NVIDIA and AMD. Another vital customer for TSMC is Apple, which produces smartphone and Mac chips at Taiwanese facilities. The solid financial results from TSMC suggest that other fabless chip designers in its ecosystem may also experience positive outcomes in their earnings. It's worth noting that the semiconductor supply chain operates on a long-term planning basis, with arrangements made months in advance. As such, we can expect advanced silicon solutions to reach new customers in the coming months, further driving growth in the sector.

Coinciding with the upcoming start of the European Football Championship, astragon Entertainment and weltenbauer. Software Entwicklung are pleased to announce the latest DLC for the popular Construction Simulator. The Construction Simulator - Stadium Expansion will be released on June 06, 2024 on the digital stores for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One and will bring a brand-new major contract to the game's European map - the construction of a football stadium and its associated infrastructure!

With the Construction Simulator - Stadium Expansion, construction enthusiasts will have the opportunity to contribute to the construction of a football stadium and its facilities on the game's European map. The campaign, which adds more than 30 hours of gameplay, involves building the stadium itself as well as a pedestrian bridge, a parking area, a multi-storey car park and a clubhouse. Once the stadium, including its newly erected spectator stands, VIP lounges and the impressive entrance area of the building, has been completed, the final touches can be added to the epic scenery - the construction of the pitch and the installation of the floodlights. And then it's time for the kick-off in the Friedenberg Arena!The company's teaser video follows.

ASUS ROG just published an interesting post on X/Twitter, previewing a future product: the ROG Mjolnir power station. This portable power solution aims to provide uninterrupted gaming experiences, even in outdoor settings. The ROG Mjolnir boasts interesting features catering to modern outdoorsy gamers' needs. It has four power outlets, allowing users to simultaneously power multiple devices such as gaming laptops, monitors, and peripherals. Additionally, the power station includes two USB Type-A and two USB Type-C ports, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of gaming accessories. Using Nordic mythology as inspiration, the ROG Mjolnir's design pays homage to Thor's hammer, Mjölnir. The sleek and rugged exterior not only looks impressive but also promises durability for outdoor use. As an added bonus, the handle of the power station doubles as a torch or light source, providing convenience in low-light environments.

While ASUS has not yet disclosed the specific capacity options or pricing details for the ROG Mjolnir, the company has confirmed that it will be officially unveiled at the upcoming Computex 2024 event in Taiwan. Gamers can expect to learn more about this interesting power station during the event, which is set to commence on June 4th. With the ROG Mjolnir, ASUS aims to provide gamers with a reliable and portable power solution that complements their gaming on-the-go lifestyle. An interesting quote from legendary Stan Lee is suitable here, which many Marvel universe fans might appreciate: "Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor."

China has sharply increased imports of semiconductor manufacturing equipment in recent months, customs data reveals. The country's purchases of chip production tools surged to record highs of nearly $5 billion in June and July, a 70% increase versus the same period last year, which amounted to $2.9 billion. The spike comes right before export restrictions on advanced chipmaking equipment are implemented by the U.S. and its allies. The moves aim to slow China's technological advancement, but Chinese chipmakers are stockpiling to avoid disruptions. Much of the equipment comes from the Netherlands and Japan, which have imposed licensing requirements on certain tool exports. While it's unclear how many are affected, the rush suggests China wants to expand production capacity and buffer against supply chain issues.

Chinese firms like SMIC and YMTC rely heavily on U.S., Dutch, and Japanese suppliers for cutting-edge manufacturing equipment. They are utilizing imported tools to boost the output of mature chips not subject to controls, particularly for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and industrial applications. Significantly, imports from the Netherlands doubled as lithography machines were delivered to Chinese foundries. Purchases from Japan also rose as companies procured etching tools and wafer coaters after 2020 U.S. restrictions. Newly established foundries backed by local governments contributed as Beijing pushed chip production expansions. Despite export control challenges, China aims to keep advancing its semiconductor capabilities. The import spike highlights intensified efforts to build self-sufficiency using older technology not covered by current limits.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 was released more than four years ago. With its TU117 graphics processor, it features 896 CUDA cores, 56 texture mapping units, and 32 ROPs. NVIDIA has paired 4 GB GDDR5 memory with the GeForce GTX 1650, which are connected using a 128-bit memory interface. Interestingly, according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey results, this GPU still remains the most popular choice among gamers. While the total addressable market is unknown with the exact number, it is fair to assume that a large group participates every month. The latest numbers for June 2023 indicate that the GeForce GTX 1650 is still the number one GPU, with 5.50% of the users having that GPU. The second closest one was GeForce RTX 3060, with 4.60%.

Other information in the survey remains similar, with CPUs mostly ranging from 2.3 GHz to 2.69 GHz in frequency and with six cores and twelve threads. Storage also recorded a small bump with capacity over 1 TB surging 1.48%, indicating that gamers are buying larger drives as game sizes get bigger.

The Division Heartland will run a Closed Beta starting on June 27, giving players a chance to play a work-in-progress version of the game, explore the mysteries of Silver Creek, battle against NPC enemies and other players, and get a taste of what's in store for them when the free-to-play game launches. Visit the Heartland Closed Beta registration site to sign up for a chance to get in; note that this test is only available on PC to players in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.

Players who get into the beta will have to sign a non-disclosure agreement and refrain from sharing their thoughts or gameplay publicly, but they will be encouraged to share any and all feedback with the Heartland development team. The goal of the test is to get input from the community; if you want in, register on the official Heartland site and keep an eye on your inbox as invitations will go out progressively over the coming weeks.

LASER IN ON THESE NOVELTIES - With an entrancing aesthetic that blends elements of vaporwave, cyberpunk, and outrun, GMK Laser is one our bestselling keycap sets of all time. It's easy to see why—and it's hard to get enough. Whether you have the set or not, you may find yourself wanting a little more Laser for your setup. Enter the Drop + MiTo GMK Laser Novelty Keycap Set.

Originally an available add-on kit for its namesake set, this Laser-focused collection of keycaps is now debuting in a standalone run to satisfy Laser fans new and old. Quickly scan the legends, and you'll find no shortage of thematic novelties, such as the iconic outrun sun, a sports car, a bowl of ramen, several different hazard signs, and much more. You'll also see arrow keys and a WASD cluster, both in alternate colorways from the GMK Laser's original Base Kit. If you're in search of the complete Laser look, this is the set to set your sights on.

Final Fantasy XVI is the all-new mainline entry in the Final Fantasy series, releasing on Thursday June 22. The launch trailer for Final Fantasy XVI, "Salvation," was revealed today as part of the PlayStation Showcase. With only around a month left until release, this outstanding trailer comes as we eagerly await the game!

The story of Final Fantasy XVI takes place in Valisthea, a land studded with Mothercrystals—glittering mountains of crystal that tower over the realms around them, blessing them with aether. People use the aether from the Mothercrystals to fuel the magicks they rely upon in their everyday lives, hailing Valisthea as "a land blessed in the light of the Mothercrystals." Yet now the aether begins to fade and the lifeless deadlands spread ever further. Such desperate conditions drive the nations towards conflict and strife.